Florida showing record growth in solar

Florida is showing record growth in home solar installations, according to a recent report from GTM Research and the Solar Energy Industries Association. The report cited recent policy developments in Florida that are projected to quadruple the amount of home solar capacity over the next five years. In addition, a U.S. Department of Energy study shows reductions in pollution from clean energy prevented 7,000 lost lives and saved $56 billion in health care costs in the United States from 2007-2015. Imagine the cost savings and environmental benefits that Florida could achieve with more households embracing the use of solar energy.

Solar batteries provide power during storms

In hurricane-prone areas, rooftop solar carries an additional benefit: greater flexibility during power outages while ratepayers of fossil fuels utilities are left with no power. One notable example was during Hurricane Irma when solar battery systems kept the power on in 115 schools in Florida which had been converted into shelter housing thousands of residents. By offering local, decentralized power, these Floridians were able to stay connected while 6.7 million utility customers them had no power.

Solar energy is essential

Solar energy was also indispensable to Puerto Rico in the aftermath of Hurricane Maria. Solar and battery systems along with nonprofits Empowered By Light and GivePower ensured fire stations could continue to provide essential emergency services to people with great needs. These essential services had uninterrupted solar energy power since installation, helping the island handle the longest blackout in American history. With solar now available on the island as well, Puerto Ricans now have peace of mind during outages and the freedom to create and store energy to power their homes. Economic benefits are especially helpful due to financial challenges caused by devastating storms.

Locally-generated energy means eliminating transmission and distribution costs, which frequently exceed the cost to generate the electricity itself. And with more than 70 percent of America’s transmission lines and large power transformers at least 25 years old, investing in locally-generated resources saves us from wasting money by doubling down on yesterday’s outdated infrastructure.

The Public Service Commission is preparing to make recommendations to state utilities for improving their hurricane readiness and power restoration procedures following a storm. One early version of their report noted that “despite substantial,  improvement, customers were dissatisfied with the extent of outages and restoration times. The public’s expectations are rising, indicating resilience and restoration will have to continually improve.”

Solar power is here to stay, and the sooner you explore how much you can save, the sooner you can enjoy the benefits of residential solar power. Go to HahaSmart.com and try our price checker tool. It tells you how much solar power you need, and how much you can save.

Please visit our solar blog to find out more about the benefits of going solar.